Method of making non-kinking chain links with a single weld



March 20, 1956 F, B. MONEY ETAL 8, METHOD OF MAKING NON-KINKING CHAIN LINKS WITH A SINGLE WELD Filed June 9, 1955 FIG].

IN VENTORS FRED 8 M0 Y CHARLES D.LIMVENBAN K BY MW, 1%?

ATTORNEYS United States Patent METHOD OF MAKING NON-KINKING CHAIN LINKS WITH A SINGLE WELD Fred B. Money, Thorofare, N. J., and Charles D. Linnenbank, Chester, Delaware County, Pa., assignors to Baldt Anchor, Chain & Forge Division of The Boston ivleltlals Company, Chester, Pa., a corporation of Mary- Application June 9, 1955, Serial No. 514,352 1 Claim (CI. 59-45) bending operations and a single weld, although simple forging operations may optionally be included.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved integral stud link, including a single weld disposed at the least vulnerable part thereof.

A further object is to provide a versatile method for manufacturing chain links, suitable for working bar stock of diverse metals and metal alloys, and adapted for all forms of Welding. Inherent in the method is the formation of an opening of rough V-shape, ideally suited to accommodate a strong link closing weld. The method, also, is well suited to the efficient production of continuous chain, and adapted to facilitate the insertion into chain of solid links, connections of various types, and the like. Further objects will be in part evident and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention and the novel features thereof may best be made clear from the following description and the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a metal bar length, initially bent according to the present method;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view corresponding to Figure 1, illustrating a further sequential step of the method;

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of a completed link, partially sectioned to show the link closing weld; and

Figure 4 is an elevational view of a modified stud co'nfiguration.

Referring to the drawings in detail, in Figure 1 is shown a length of metal bar indicated generally as 10. The length 10 preferably comprises rolled stock of circular cross-section, which may be, for example, ferrous, aluminum alloy, aluminum-bronze alloy or other metal or metal alloy. The length 10 may be cut to desired size from conventional bar stock by sawing, shearing, burning or similar conventional method.

Initially, a relatively short end portion or stud 12 is bent at 14 approximately 90 with respect to the remainder of the length 10, this bend preferably being smoothly rounded and on a small radius of curvature, as shown. If necessary or desirable to facilitate this operation, the length 10 may be locally heated. The end 16 of stud 12 may be square, or it may be forged to saddle shape, including a circumferential flange or skirt 18 defining a concave and generally cylindrical end surface. The forging of the stud end, when employed, may be performed prior or subsequent to the stud bending operation.

The remaining link portion 20 of the now L-shaped bar is then bent into link form about the stud 12, in the plane of the stud. This operation is sequentially illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. In Figure 2, the link portion is illustrated as bent back upon itself so that the central section 22 thereof abuts the stud end 16. As will be evident, if the stud end is formed to correspond to the cylindrical shape of the bar, the stud end will impinge upon the link side and fit closely thereabout. In such case, the skirt 16 imparts a pleasing and faired appearance to the link.

The outer end of the link portion is then bent back upon itself, as illustrated in Figure 3, whereby the link end surface 24 faces the rounded exterior of the stud bend, defining a roughly V-shaped opening therewith. The inner corner 26 of the link end may abut the outside of the stud bend, but preferably is spaced slightly therefrom. The bending of the link may also be facilitated by heating.

As a final essential step of the method, the link end 24 is welded at 28 to the rounded outer surface of the stud bend. As will be evident, the V-shaped opening therebetween is ideal for the reception of weld metal, and adaptable with complete versatility to all types of welding. For example, the V opening may be closed by union-melt, electric arc, thermit, acetylene, electric resistance or fiash welding. If desired, the weld may be performed in a mold, so that the weld deposit will assume proper link shape and configuration. A slight spacing between the link-end corner 26 and the stud bend permits the weld to start at the bottom of the V, resulting in a full weld of maximum strength.

In some cases, it may be desirable to deposit extra weld material over the entire V, in which case the excess material may be subsequently removed by mechanical or grinding means. For special applications, it may be desirable to forge the weld, to densify the Weld metal and refine the grain structure thereof.

The resultant link, illustrated in Figure 3, excels in strength and durability. The link stud 12, being integral with the link portion 20 and also welded to the link end 24, is permanently fixed, and therefore not subject to loosening, deflection, or ultimate loss. If the stud end 16 is forged to conform to the link side as previously described, the concave end configuration thereof and the skirt 18 enhance its appearance and serve to further rigidify the stud end.

The method described lends itself to eificient assembly of continuous chain, in that a plurality of individual links in substantially the intermediate configuration of Figure 2, that is prior to the final closing bend and weld, may be disposed in assembled relationship, and may then be successively subjected to the final closing bend and welding operations, whereby a continuous chain may be produced on substantially an assembly line basis. In the same manner, the process lends itself to the incorporation into continuous chain of alternate solid links, which may be made less expensively, and connections and other elements of different sizes and shapes. The method thus materially reduces the overall cost of assembled chain, and increases the speed of production thereof.

The method described is particularly advantageous in that it permits the production of heavy integral stud chain links from stock metal bar, the production of each link requiring only simple bending operations and a single weld. The weld is conveniently made in a V- shaped pocket, ideally adapted for the reception of weld metal, and the resulting superior weld is disposed at the least vulnerable part of the link.

An alternative stud configuration is illustrated in Fig ure 4, wherein the stud 12' is end forged in the manner previously described. That is, the end surface 16' encompassed by skirt 18' is cylindrically concave, the stud 12' being axially rotated 90 as compared to stud 12 of Figures 1, 2 and 3, to illustrate this in another aspect. Distinctively, the stud 12' is further shaped at 30 to impart to the stud a streamlined form, useful in special applications. The stud shape 30 may be forged simultaneously with the shaping of the stud end.

It will thus be seen that there has been provided by this invention an article and method in which the various objects hereinbefore set forth, together with many practical advantages, are successfully achieved. As various possible embodiments may be made of the novel features of the above invention, all without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter hereinbefore set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and-not in a limiting sense.

We claim: A method of forming a chain link from a continuous length of metal bar which consists of the steps of bending the bar in a smooth relatively small radius curve relatively near an end thereof approximately 90 with respect to the remainder thereof to constitute an integral stud, bending the remainder of the bar to link form about said stud and in the plane thereof whereby the link portion abuts theystud end and the link end faces the rounded outside of the stud bend defining a rough V therewith, andthen welding the link end to the outside 10 of the stud bend.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS r 1,971,512 Stahl Aug. 28, 1934 FOREIGN PATENTS 550,096 Great Britain Dec. 22, 1942 831,586 France Sept. 8, 1938 

